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Stress is something in life that is almost always unavoidable, especially in the trucking industry where unpredictability is a common theme. Truckers are constantly fighting bad weather, distracted drivers, dealing with difficult shipping and receiving personnel as well as unrealistic deadlines, all of which cause some truck driver stress. Not only does stress cause the calmest person to become impatient and frustrated, but also affects your body and the way it functions! Stress is your body’s way of dealing with any change that requires a response. Stress becomes a negative thing when while facing constant daily challenges, you don’t take time to relax and unwind. Stress can have a tremendous effect on your body and you might not even realize it. Here are a few of the most common symptoms of stress: Headaches Upset stomach Elevated blood pressure Chest pain & shortness of breath Sleeping problems Fatigue Anxiety and depression If you are currently battling an illness or have a pre-existing condition then stress can make the situation even worse. Besides getting extra rest, exercise is one of the most important things you can do to help reduce and manage your stress levels. Any exercise ranging from high-impact cardio to yoga can help you reduce the negative effect stress has on your body. Here are some ways in which regular physical activity helps reduce the effects of stress It pumps up the production of endorphins, your brain’s “feel good” neurotransmitters. This is often referred to as the “runners high”. It gives you a better outlook on managing your circumstances and helps you forget the day’s minor frustrations. It improves your overall mood, self-confidence, and sense of well-being. It helps lower symptoms associated with mild depression and anxiety. It improves your quality of sleep. There is no question that adding physical activity to your daily routine is a plus. Along with helping to relieve and manage stress, you will have more energy, self-confidence, feel stronger, and have a more positive attitude. Here are a few suggestions to help you get started Always consult your doctor before starting an exercise routine. Build up your fitness level gradually. You don’t want to overdo it and hurt yourself. Do something you enjoy like running, swimming, biking, weight training, or yoga. If you like what you’re doing, you have a better chance of sticking to it for the long haul. Make the time. This is a hard one, especially in the trucking industry. As I said before, if you have to break your exercise time into smaller intervals to fit them in, then do it! Stick with it. Some tools to help you stick with a routine are setting goals for yourself, connecting with friends to help motivate each other, and changing up your workouts to keep it interesting. I hope these tips help you to have a better understanding of how stress affects your body and the benefits of incorporating physical activity into your daily routine. As always, keep the shiny side up and the rubber side down and make healthy choices! Author: Derek McClain. This article was originally featured on The Healthy Trucker. Image source 1 (and thumbnail): https://www.flickr.com/photos/senoranderson/ Image source 2: https://www.flickr.com/photos/michaelloudon/

Being an Over-the-Road (OTR) trucker is a profession that is both crucial and challenging. It involves extended periods on the highways, transporting goods across state lines, and even international boundaries. Knowing the job requirements, government regulations and licensing, keeping up with physical fitness, and managing life on the road, are all vital aspects to be aware of when considering a career in this field. In this guide, we’ll look at the differences between OTR, regional, and local trucking. We’ll also weigh the pros and cons, look at the potential earnings, and offer insights on how to thrive as an OTR trucker. Whether you're contemplating this career path or simply fascinated by the lives of those who drive, this guide can serve as your comprehensive roadmap. What is Over-the-Road Trucking? OTR trucking is a critical component of the logistics industry, involving the transportation of goods across long distances—usually spanning multiple states or even the entire nation. Key Points of OTR Trucking: Extended Travel: OTR drivers may be on the road for weeks at a time, far from home. Equipment: They typically operate semis or tractor-trailers, designed for heavy-duty long-haul jobs. Supply Chain Role: These truckers are integral to maintaining the flow of goods across broad areas, and keeping commerce moving. OTR trucking demands a high level of commitment and adaptability, as drivers acclimate to life on the road in their sleeper cabs. The job's requirements include navigating prolonged stretches of driving while adhering to regulations regarding hours of service to ensure safety. Given the significance of their role, OTR truck drivers are essential in bridging the gaps in the supply chain and remaining dedicated to transporting various types of freight reliably. OTR Trucking Job Requirements OTR truckers require a special type of job commitment and background, starting primarily with obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Here's a quick rundown of job requirements for aspiring OTR drivers: CDL: The first step to becoming an OTR truck driver is earning your commercial driver’s license or CDL. Without one, you won’t be able to legally operate large and heavy vehicles in commerce. Clean Driving Record: A record clear of serious traffic violations builds trust and reliability. Physical Health: Passing a DOT physical examination ensures that drivers are fit for extended periods on the road. Education: It’s recommended, but not required to have either a high school diploma or a GED. Advancement Opportunities: Further Certifications: This can lead to enhanced roles and better earnings. Experience: Time spent on the road can pave the way for promotion within the industry. OTR truck drivers are in high demand, which means this position offers both stability and opportunities for growth for those who choose to pursue this career. OTR vs. Regional vs. Local OTR drivers embark on extended trips that can span across the country, often requiring them to spend weeks at a time on the road. This type of truck driving can lead to prolonged periods of solitude and is best suited for those who enjoy traveling and are comfortable with extended periods away from home. Comparatively, regional trucking strikes a balance, with regional drivers covering specific geographic areas. They have the advantage of more regular home time, typically returning each weekend, making it a more family-friendly option for many. On the shorter end of the spectrum lies local trucking. Local routes keep drivers close to their home base, operating typically within a 200-mile radius. This type of driving allows drivers the convenience of being home every night, which can be a significant factor for those who value daily family time or have personal commitments. Here's a quick breakdown: Choosing the right type of trucking job depends on personal preferences related to travel, time away from home, and work-life balance. Pros and Cons of Over-the-Road Trucking OTR truck drivers, often seen as the backbone of the trucking industry, are tasked with transporting a diverse array of goods across vast distances. This type of job not only provides travel opportunities, allowing drivers to venture into new regions and experience the vastness of the country, but it also offers a sense of independence that is hard to find in other careers. Despite its appeal, OTR trucking comes with its set of challenges. Drivers typically spend extended periods on the road, which can lead to significant time away from family and loved ones, as well as an increased risk of health issues. Adapting to different time zones, braving a variety of weather conditions, and navigating unfamiliar roads that are often in poor condition are some of the daily hurdles that OTR drivers face. The life of an OTR truck driver is one of constant movement and change, demanding a resilient and adaptable personality to manage the demands of long-haul trucking. Here's a quick overview of the pros and cons: OTR Trucker Salary Ranges As OTR trucking continues to be an essential part of the logistics chain, understanding the compensation for those behind the wheel is crucial. OTR drivers are tasked with significant responsibility and their pay reflects the demanding nature of the job when compared to other trucking jobs. According to PayScale, OTR truck drivers earn an average annual salary of $62,980, with a typical range from $41,000 to $89,000. However, salaries can vary widely based on factors such as experience, type of freight, and individual carrier rates. How to Be a Successful OTR Trucker Being a successful OTR trucker requires a blend of personal traits and professional skills that contribute to an individual’s adaptability and resilience on long-haul routes. OTR trucking isn't just a job; it's a lifestyle that demands a specific mindset. Here are key attributes essential for OTR drivers: Love for solitude: With extended periods on the road, enjoying one's own company is vital. OTR trucking suits those who value independence and quiet, reflective time. Appreciation for travel: A successful OTR driver relishes the chance to explore different regions, embracing the diversity of sites and experiences. Resilience: The road can be unpredictable. Whether it's handling unexpected delays or managing life away from home, resilience keeps an OTR driver focused and calm. Flexibility: Routes and schedules can change. Adapting quickly without getting flustered is crucial for timely deliveries. Skillset: Maneuvering a large vehicle safely requires more than a clean driving record. Experience, continual learning, and proficiency in handling various types of freight are indispensable. A successful career in OTR trucking means merging these qualities with a passion for the road. The reward is not only the freedom of the open highway but also the satisfaction of being part of the essential structure of the trucking industry.

Credit card fraud has drastically increased over the past few years. This means it's more important than ever to protect your personal information. Here are five ways to help you spend safely and guard your sensitive data. Review your spending history One of the most important things that you can do as a consumer is to proactively monitor your accounts. Each month when your statements arrive go through them item by item. If you see anything that doesn’t look right then you should call your credit card company or bank immediately. We suggest setting up usage alerts on your credit card. Each time your credit card is used you will be notified. Consider a contactless card Contactless cards show an image of four curved lines somewhere on the card. You can tap the card over a sensor when you go to pay instead of inserting the chip into a reader. Rather than giving the merchant your credit card number, the card sends a one-time code—just like the chip. Use mobile payments Most smart devices have a digital wallet. You add your credit or debit card information and then you can use your smart device to pay when retailers offer the option. Digital wallets work by transmitting a unique, random transaction number to the merchant instead of your card number. Alert the card issuer Credit card issuers offer zero-liability fraud protection. This means if a transaction appears on your account that you didn't make, you can alert the card issuer and follow their process for reporting the crime. You won't have to pay for purchases you didn't make. Request a new card If you find out that your card's information has been compromised, then you may need to request a new card. This means that the information the hacker might have received will be useless to them. By using these tips you can do your best to keep your money and your information safe.

FMCSA Medical regulations require certain health standards to be met to get and keep a commercial driver’s license. These regulations include health of body, mind, and alertness. When you’re on the road, it’s helpful to have tools right at your fingertips that can help you stay healthy and make good choices. Being healthy isn’t just about what you eat, or how much you move - it’s about whole body wellness! At ATBS, we compiled a list of 8 get-healthy apps that address everything from sleep to memory strength and mental health. Lumosity Train your brain by developing memory and attention with Lumosity. This app was developed by scientists who studied common neuropsychological tasks and then transformed them into fun and challenging games. In layman’s terms: Play games. Get smarter. This app is used by over 50 million people worldwide and creates a personalized training program to challenge your brain. Click here for more information Sleep Cycle Waking up to an alarm clock that jolts you awake from deep sleep will make you grumpy the rest of the day. Sleep Cycle tracks your movements as you sleep – gauging when you transition between light sleep and deep sleep. The alarm clock will wake you when your phone determines you’re in your lightest sleep cycle during a preset 30-minute wake-up window. Click here for more information PTSD Coach This app is specially tailored for veterans and service members to help PTSD sufferers gain control over their anger or stress. Just hit the “manage my stress” button, input what’s wrong, and level of distress on a 0-10 scale. It’s designed to respond with something to help you through that moment – whether with a relaxation exercise, music, or positive images. Click here for more information Glooko If you have diabetes, this app is for you! Glooko makes diabetes management easier, by taking data from your meter to help monitor your glucose levels. It also enables you to share readings with your healthcare provider. Click here for more information Stay Quit Coach Nothing will move you more quickly towards health than taking the step to quitting smoking. No matter how many times you’ve tried, it’s worth the effort! This app can help you keep your cravings in check and helps tailor a personal success plan in giving up cigarettes. With constant support and inspirational messages, this will help you kick that habit for good! Click here for more information Calm Whether you have 60 seconds or 60 minutes, Calm can help you build a habit of mindfulness. Immerse yourself in Calm's soothing music and sounds made for sleep, focus, and relaxation. Click here for more information Fooducate People are always saying to make healthier choices, but the nutritional information on food labels isn’t exactly the easiest thing to read and understand. This app lets you scan the barcode of a product or type in its name (or a kind of food, like “apple”) to uncover its total calories, fat, sodium, and other ingredients. It even scores the food for healthiness! This is also a great tool to find unhealthy foods amongst those claiming to be healthy, as sometimes the seemingly “good foods” can be packed with unwanted calories. Click here for more information Rolling Strong This app is specially designed for the health and wellness for professional drivers around the United States. It accesses your health database on the road to find important clinic locations, health check stations, and coaching sessions. It includes wellness newsletters, special events, and even a built-in pedometer! Click here for more information

If you’re an owner-operator, it’s easy to see why you’d sometimes feel a bit overwhelmed. You probably have new equipment purchases to make or save for, important schedules to keep, and bills to pay. You’re moving across multiple functions on any given day. It’s no wonder that keeping things straight is challenging. So how can you increase your productivity and make your life a little easier? Here are 7 tried and true time management and productivity tips for owner-operators: Don’t multitask. Yes, you wear tons of hats, but don’t try to wear them all at the same time. If you’re on task, stay on that task until it’s complete and finished. The quality of your work suffers when you don’t devote your full attention to the task at hand. Don’t procrastinate. It’s a simple win to check off all the easy tasks on your daily to-do list, but don’t put off those difficult or daunting tasks because they’re unpleasant. Tackle them head on and complete it. It will make you feel good, accomplished, and relieved to get it off your list and get it done! Plan your work; work your plan. Create a list of tasks you need to accomplish each morning. Make the list realistic. Prioritize those tasks and then start with number one and work through your list. Sounds simple enough, but all too often distractions get in the way and before you know it you’re multitasking (see point one). Check email only after completing a task. It’s very easy to get distracted if you check your email after every email notification alert. While it may be hard to do at first, try ignoring those alerts until you’ve finished the task at hand, and only then review your inbox. Use the calendar feature of your email system. Google and Outlook both have integrated calendar features that allow you to plan your schedule. Don’t just plan your meetings. Put placeholders in for the tasks you need to accomplish, including the obvious like stops or breaks. These calendars have mobile apps as well, allowing you to access your calendar on the go. Plan for contingencies. Try to build time into your schedule for the unexpected, such as traffic, weather, or maintenance stops. Planning your route ahead of time or checking weather online will ease your mind, and reduce stress. That extra little bit of prep time can be valuable. Make the best use of your breaks. Try not to just sit in your truck when you’re on a break. Find a trail to walk and enjoy some fresh air. Use the time to get a workout in, or spend time doing good long stretches. Using your breaks to move your muscles will not only help your mind focus when you return to work, but also increase your energy levels. As an owner-operator, your productivity and time management are paramount in running your business. These 7 tips will help you stay focused and manage your all-important workday. Image 1 source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/michaelloudon/ Image 2 source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/klash/

Top athletes invest incredible amounts of time, hard work, and energy into a disciplined training regimen. In fact, many Olympic athletes schedule their training years in advance to ensure that they achieve their performance goals. Alongside every top athlete is a team of coaches dedicated to helping them achieve their success. From a nutrition coach to a workout coach, success depends on everyone working together. Owner-operators need a top business team dedicated to their profits, tax preparation, and their overall financial health. ATBS is the preferred financial coach for thousands of owner-operators across the U.S. Owner-operators that work with ATBS are given a dedicated team of experts who provide key coaching tools that translates into greater profit, and less tax burden. Steps for Coaching your Business Towards Success Tool 1: The Profit Plan. The ATBS coaching team is led by Business Consultants who know trucking inside and out. Clients are assigned a personal consulting coach who takes the time to guide them through a custom Profit Plan. This Profit Plan outlines not only the driver’s current financial state, it outlines career ambitions, and the steps it takes to achieve every goal. Tool 2: Bookkeeping. Imagine sending every receipt you sign to one team -- using any method you like, from a smart phone, fax, email, even US Mail. Next, imagine you can view those receipts anytime, anywhere with just a couple of clicks on your smart phone or desktop. It not only means you can produce a receipt to claim a warranty at a shop, but it means that tax season will be a breeze since your paperwork is automatically merged with your tax return. This is the ATBS Bookkeeping team -- the most technologically advanced, personal organization system for owner-operators in the industry. Tool 3: Tax Preparation. The ATBS tax team is defending your bank account at every turn. If you can submit your tax return and be 100% confident that you are writing off every one of the hundreds of possible owner-operator tax deductions, then we commend you. If you are not confident that you can get every possible deduction on your own, then ATBS is here to help. Tax preparation is a constantly evolving process and with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, your 2018 tax return is more complicated than ever. The ATBS tax team has organized a simple, three-step tax-filing process. ATBS clients can relax on April 15th knowing their taxes are complete, and that more of their money is staying where it belongs -- in their pocket. Your team of business, bookkeeping, and tax coaches at ATBS are ready to serve you. Image Source 1: https://www.flickr.com/photos/axlape/ Image Source 2: https://www.flickr.com/photos/euthman/

Form 2290 is the Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax Return. Any person operating a vehicle weighing more than 55,000 pounds is required to file this return. In this article, we will be going over how to fill out the 2290 tax form. For more information about the background of the Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax, check out our article here. What will I need to know before I start filing my 2290 tax form? Name (personal name or business name that is associated with your EIN) Business Address Business City, State, and Zip EIN (Employer Identification Number) VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) Taxable Gross Weight (total of your truck, trailer, and its maximum payload) Purpose for filing This section only applies if you have an address change, VIN correction, final return, or need to amend a return. For more information regarding the “Purpose for Filing” section, see the end of the article. Part 1 Part 1 of the form is used to determine the amount of tax owed. First, you will identify whether the truck was operated during the applicable period. The form will ask if the vehicle was used during July of the current year. If the answer is “Yes”, you will enter the date in the format listed on the form. If the answer is “No”, you will just need to figure out the month and year the vehicle was first used. Enter the date in the following format: YYYYMM. For example, July 2017 would be written as 201707. Next, you will enter the amount of tax you owe based on the taxable gross weight. A table will be provided for you to determine the amount of tax you owe based on the taxable gross weight and the month the vehicle was put in service. The following line is used to identify whether the vehicle was overweight and if any credits are available. If you originally filed your vehicle within a specific weight category and you have an increase in weight from a load you are consistently hauling, you are subject to identify the weight increase and pay taxes on the increase. Last, you can subtract any credits from the total amount you owe. You should only complete this line if you are claiming a credit for tax paid on a vehicle that was sold, destroyed, or stolen before June 1 and was not used for the remainder of the period or used during the period for 5,000 miles or less. If you are submitting a credit you will need to provide additional documentation to prove you are eligible for the credit. To determine your amount of tax credit, you can use the credit amount formula, which you can find at the link here. Part 2 Part 2 of the form only applies to taxpayers who are requesting a suspension of tax obligations. You will only request a suspension of tax obligations if the vehicle is not subject to tax in the previous year, if the vehicle is no longer owned, or if the vehicle is not operated on public highways. On line 7 of the form, you will check the appropriate box that states your vehicle will be used for less than 5,000 miles. Line 8 is used if a vehicle that was previously suspended from tax obligations was driven more than 5,000 miles. Finally, line 9 is used to let the IRS know that you have sold or transferred a vehicle that you had reported as suspended on a prior year return. Signature Finally, the form must be signed and submitted to the IRS. You may also indicate a third party that has permissions to contact the IRS on your behalf. You can also identify a third party that is owed a report of you filing the form. Schedule of Heavy Highway Vehicles The IRS also allows you to include multiple vehicles on the same form. This can be completed on the Schedule that is attached to Form 2290. This schedule has three sections: one for listing vehicles where tax is owed, one for listing vehicles under suspension, and one summary section of the total number of vehicles included on the form. You will need the VIN of every vehicle you will be including in any section. Purpose for filing - additional information Immediately following the identification section, you must point out whether your purpose for filing the form falls into one of the four categories: address change, amended return, VIN correction, or final return. If your address has changed since your last filing, you must check the appropriate box to let the IRS know. You will also need to make sure you put the new address in the identification section. There would be two reasons you will need to file an amended return. The first would be if your taxable gross weight increased from what you had filed originally. If that is the case, then you can refile the form and will have to pay the additional tax owed. The other reason would be if you originally filed one of your vehicles as suspended but you ended up surpassing the 5,000 mile limit on that vehicle. If this happens you will have to re-file and pay the amount of tax owed. The only reason you would need to file a VIN correction would be if you originally filed with an incorrect VIN. There aren’t any checks in place by the IRS to let you know whether or not you put your VIN correctly, so make sure you check the VIN a few times before you file just to make sure. Lastly, if you no longer have any vehicles to report, you will let the IRS know that this will be your final return. If this is your final return, you don’t need to list any VINs and this will inform the IRS to not expect Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax payments from you any longer. If you have any questions or need help filing your 2290, visit our friends over at ExpressTruckTax, the leading 2290 e-filing solution in the trucking industry!

Although April 15th has passed, now is a great time to check in on your tax status and take steps toward lowering your tax liability and maximizing your deductions . Let’s take a look at the top 5 things an owner-operator can do mid-year to ensure their tax bill is manageable in the upcoming year. Tip 1: Tax Estimates The number one way to manage tax liability as an independent contractor is to submit quarterly tax estimates in a timely manner. Owner-operators are responsible for calculating and paying their own tax, as they do not have an employer withholding tax for them. Financial services companies such as ATBS will calculate tax estimates based on actual earnings and email their clients when the tax estimate form is ready. With a couple of clicks, you can download the tax estimate form, sign it, and submit payment to the IRS. Not submitting tax estimates each quarter will translate to a large tax bill on April 15th. Part of being a business owner is taking responsibility for your taxes. Be sure to review your tax estimates and confirm that your financial provider makes this process easy and manageable. Want to better understand tax estimates as an owner-operator? Contact ATBS and bring your tax-related questions to the table. Tip 2: Storage Put your tax returns and supporting documents in a secure location so you can retrieve them at any time. If you apply for a loan or financial aid, you will need tax forms and filings. It’s helpful to have these right at your fingertips. Find a central location in your home and consider investing in a secure, fireproof, and waterproof safe. Whatever storage system you employ, make this a routine for all the members of your household. Tip 3: Monthly Sort Designate an hour each month to collect and sort all receipts that are related to your business. Being an independent contractor means your tax liability will be directly related to how many expenses you deduct. Often times the more you can deduct, the lower your tax liability. Owner-operators can receive more than 100 tax deductions to lower their tax liability, and every year ATBS scans 1,000's of tax filings to ensure our clients capture every tax deduction possible. Tip 4: Consult a Professional The best time to review your prior year tax return is outside of peak tax season. During this time you can identify new strategies to help lower your tax bill. Give your ATBS business consultant a call and let him/her know your tax goals so you can gain a road map towards success. Tax season is when tax professionals are managing hundreds, even thousands, of tax filings and may not be able to give every client their full attention. Consider summer and fall as the best seasons to learn about and employ new tax strategies. Tip 5: Itemize Your Deductions Bundling a number of larger deductions may help minimize your tax burden. Consider an early mortgage payoff, a charitable donation, a large medical expense, and/or a business asset purchase. Together these write-offs could translate to a lower tax burden. Owner-operators enjoy the freedom of owning their work schedule. However, this freedom means additional responsibilities to the IRS. Like every aspect of your business, a little bit of time and consultation with a professional could yield significant changes to your bottom line. ATBS is prepared to discuss taxes year-round but mid-year is the best time to review your tax situation and come up with a plan for year-round tax success!

An important tax form called the W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, should be received by company drivers no later than the beginning of February. This form lists the income from wages you receive as an employee. While a company driver may seem to have a straight-forward tax filing, he/she will need to pay attention to some key tips to be sure they maximize your tax refund. Tip 1: Take Advantage of Tax Credits Some common tax credits a Company Driver can take advantage of include: The Adoption Credit If you adopted a child at some time during the tax year for which you are filing, you may claim a credit of up to $13,570 for 2017 and 13,840 for 2018. The American Opportunity and Lifetime Learning Credits This allows the taxpayer, their spouse, and their dependent[s] who attend college or trade school up to $2,500 with the American Opportunity credit, and up to $2,000 with the Lifetime Learning Credit. The credit amount will depend on your tuition and fees paid. Child and Dependent Care Expenses If you are working and had dependent care expenses for children under the age of 13 or have a dependent or spouse who is disabled, this credit helps you claim the expenses associated. Child Tax Credit For taxpayers who have children under the age of 17, you may receive a credit of up to $2,000 per child. Earned Income Tax Credit Developed for low-income workers, this credit may be claimed by those with or without children and will credit up to $6,431 for 2018. Energy Credits This one is often overlooked. If you made energy improvements to your home that help your energy efficiency, you could qualify for a tax credit. Job Hunting Costs Job Hunting costs are no longer deductible for 2018. Tip 2: Invest in Yourself and Your Family If you invest in a retirement plan or IRA, you may receive up to $1,000 credit per taxpayer. Tip 3: Keep Your Receipts All professional drivers need to keep receipts related to their job. Whether it’s an envelope in the truck, or a container at home, drivers may be able increase their refund or reduce their tax liability, but the IRS wants drivers to keep a record. ATBS recommends drivers save tax-related paperwork for at least 5 years. Tip 4: Hire a Professional There is no science to preparing taxes -- rather, it is an art. With an IRS tax Code that exceeds 79,000 pages, professional drivers should consider consulting with an expert team who knows about company driver tax returns and owner-operator tax returns. Experts can identify not only an optimal tax preparation, but can also advise on things you can do this year to positively impact your taxes for the following year. This type of proactive advice can help taxpayers. You can reach ATBS at 866-920-2827.

As always, if you haven't watched the previous episodes, we'd recommend starting there and working your way forward. Also as always, Episode 2 is the single most valuable & important video in this series, if you do nothing over than watch that video, you'll be on the right path. The key to Managing IRS Compliance is twofold: 1. Be consistent - file taxes timely, pay as much as you can toward your quarterly tax estimates when they're due, and pay as much as you can toward any negotiated IRS settlements when they're due. 2. If you see financial trouble on the horizon, be proactive and call the IRS to let them know you may have trouble paying the full amount toward your settlement! Remember that the IRS must accommodate changes in your income as it related to your negotiated settlement amount/plan. If your income changes, or is going to change, be proactive and call the IRS to see if they can adjust your payment plans to reflect your new income. To check out the complete series, click here. You can also learn about ATBS’ Proven Path for owner-operator truck drivers to get caught up on taxes and out of debt with the IRS by downloading our Tax Resolution Guide for Owner-Operators! Remember, if you're in trouble with the IRS, or if you’re just trying to get ahead of any future problems with the IRS, our Tax Relief Pit Crew will be able to help you out! To learn more about our Tax Relief Pit Crew Service Packages, click here.

Truck drivers live a very unique life on the road. Inconsistent sleep schedules, cooking in the truck, and finding places to park for the night are just a few of the things a trucker deals with every day that the average person does not. Many people would not be able to handle 250 days on the road like the average truck driver is able to. However, it’s not all bad. When you spend enough time on the road, you are able to get used to this type of life. Also, over the years, many things have gotten better for truck drivers which has made living in the truck easier. Let’s take a look at a truckers life on the road and learn a little more about the truck driver lifestyle. What is it like to live in a truck? Having to live your life in a truck can definitely feel crammed. This is because your whole house is basically an 8-foot by 10-foot box. These small dimensions make staying neat and organized a challenge. As you continue to accumulate stuff, it continuously gets more difficult to find a place for it all. This is especially true if you collect things that you think you need but never end up using again. However, one of the nice parts about living in your truck is that it’s all your space. You can keep it as clean or as dirty as you want and it’s easy to have privacy. Whenever you want, you can get in the back of your truck, close the curtain, and nobody will really bother you. Also, the creature comforts have gotten better, which means it isn’t that bad to just hang out in the truck. The ability to use the A/C in the truck has become a lot easier and there are now microwaves, shelves, tv mounts, refrigerators, and nicer mattresses available. Lastly, living in your truck means there is no real commute from home to the office. When you wake up, you are already where you need to be in order to get the workday started. What does a trucker's weekly and daily schedule look like? Weekly schedules on the road vary from truck driver to truck driver. Some truckers drive the same set route every week. This means they are either home every night of the week or they are home the same day of the week, every week. Other truckers drive irregular routes and don’t know what their schedule is going to look like week to week. Irregular routes can be caused by a variety of things from carriers telling their drivers to go wherever they are needed, to owner-operators using load boards to find one-time freight to haul. There are pros and cons to each type of weekly schedule and it really just depends on personal preference. A truck driver only has so much control over what their daily schedule looks like. Things like hours of service, the time it takes to get loaded or unloaded, planning for parking, and many other factors will determine how their day will look. Wake up times usually vary depending on the time they were able to get finished the day before. In the morning, a trucker may leave themselves some time before they go on duty in order to get ready for the day. After they are ready, they go on duty and do their pre-trip inspection before they hit the road for the day. After that, every day is different depending on the load. A driver can either drive the entire day or spend time at a receiver or shipper getting loaded or unloaded in order to go to the next shipper or receiver. When driving is completed for the day and the post-trip has been finished, truckers have time to do whatever it is they need to do before they get back on the road. What do truckers like to do when they are done driving for the day? What a truck driver will do when they are done driving for the day depends on if they are a company driver or an owner-operator. Company drivers don’t have much to worry about in terms of trucking when they are done for the day. They are able to unwind, go on their phone, watch TV, talk to family or friends, etc. Owner-operators are able to do this as well, they may just have more responsibilities to tend to beforehand. Owner-operators have to be business owners as well as truck drivers, which means they may have paperwork to organize, maintenance on their truck they have to get fixed, customers they need to call, or other drivers that drive under their authority that they have to contact. Once all of an owner-operators business duties are done, they can go on to do whatever they want to do for the rest of the day. What are the relationships like with other truck drivers? The relationships truck drivers have with one another looks different today than it did in the past. Today, it’s not as common for drivers to get out of the truck and converse amongst one another. Instead, it’s more common to see drivers scrolling through their phones rather than speaking with others. This isn’t a knock on truck drivers as this is how most of society operates in general. Because of this, drivers don’t really sit at a counter anymore and have group conversations like they used to. However, this doesn’t mean that truckers don’t have any type of relationship with other truckers. Many of the conversations that used to happen in person may now happen online on social media or trucking specific forums. Also, many still have truck driver friends that they are able to call while they are driving and others may have friends that they see at the truck stops each week on their dedicated route. How do truckers stay healthy on the road? Staying healthy as a truck driver on the road has been a big initiative for the trucking industry overall. There are now countless programs devoted to helping truck drivers live a healthy lifestyle through eating right and exercise. However, this doesn’t mean it doesn’t take hard work to stay healthy on the road. When a trucker is done for the day, they are able to get out of the truck and walk around to stretch their legs out and try to burn a few calories. However, some drivers aren’t done until late at night and either don’t want to walk around in the dark or they are too tired and need to relax. With some of the amenities in the truck like refrigerators and crockpots, truck drivers now have an easier time cooking healthier meals on the road. Similar to exercising however, if a driver doesn’t get done until late at night, they may just want to grab a quick meal and go to bed. With the proper mindset, truck drivers have the ability to stay healthy on the road. But the combination of the time, money, and effort it takes to live a healthy lifestyle makes it hard for everybody to do so. How do truckers stay entertained on the road? While driving, there are so many safe options for truckers to stay entertained. With satellite radio, music streaming apps on the phone, podcasts, and audiobooks it’s become easier to keep from getting bored on the road. Also, with hands-free headsets, it’s simple for truckers to talk to others on the phone. Technology has also made it easier to stay entertained while being shut down. Some trucks have monitors that can be connected to laptops or Blu-ray players in order to watch T.V. or movies in the truck. Phones and tablets can also connect to the internet which makes it easy to watch videos or play games. Depending on where you are at, you can also walk or take Uber or Lyft to places like the mall, a movie theatre, restaurants, and many other places to stay entertained. Drivers can also spend their time cleaning and organizing the truck. However, most places are pretty good about keeping truckers moving, so they don’t really have to keep themselves entertained while being shut down for too long. What do truck drivers typically wear? The wardrobe of truck drivers is as varied as what you would see anywhere. Some truck drivers don’t really care how they look when they are on the road and may not take pride in their appearance. However, many are clean, neat, and presentable. For truckers, the image should matter a lot. This includes both the way you present yourself and how you look. Companies can get complimented about their professionalism just by the way their drivers take care of themselves. On the other end of the spectrum, drivers who do not take pride in their appearance can have a negative effect and carriers could actually lose business for unprofessionalism. The Truck Driver Lifestyle Is Different For Everybody Not every truck driver lives the same lifestyle. And, there are many other parts of this lifestyle that weren’t even touched on. This is just a glimpse of what a truckers life is like. As time goes on, it will be interesting to see how the truck driver lifestyle changes over the years to come.

Many drivers make the transition from company driver to owner-operator because they want the opportunity to make more money and have more freedom. However, before you can achieve these goals, there are many things you should consider before starting your own trucking company. One of the biggest things on the mind of a driver who is looking to branch out on their own is, “how much does it cost to start a trucking company?” Let’s take a look at the different costs you should expect to face before you can call your trucking company your own. *A quick note before we start... Many of the costs associated with starting a trucking company vary quite drastically. The goal of the article is to let you know about the different expenses you may incur and a range of how much you should expect it to cost. Have questions about getting your trucking company started? Click here! How much does it cost to start a trucking company? CDL License If you are looking to start a trucking company, chances are you have already acquired your CDL (Commercial Drivers License) license as a company driver. In case you haven’t, you will have to go to a CDL training school-course, pass a written exam, acquire a CDL permit, train with a supervising driver, complete all required training, and pass your CDL skills test. After all of this, you will earn your CDL. The exact cost varies from state to state. In Colorado, for example, a CDL training course costs between $3,000-$7,000, your permit will cost $14, your skills test will cost $225, your DOT physical will cost $65, and your official CDL licensing will cost $28. These costs should be similar no matter what state you are getting your CDL, but individual research will be required. USDOT and MC Number Before you start your own trucking company, you will need a USDOT number and an MC Number. A USDOT number identifies you as a carrier that is operating in interstate commerce and an MC number identifies you as a carrier who transports regulated commodities in interstate commerce. You can file for both through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website for $300. You will need to know your company operation, operation classification, cargo classification, types of vehicles, ownership of vehicles, and driver status. Once the application is complete, it will take about three to six weeks to get approved. Truck When you decide to start your own trucking company, you will need to get your own truck. You have the choice of purchasing your truck or leasing it. When you purchase a truck, it is considered your property and may be sold at any time. You make monthly payments on the vehicle until it has been paid off, and at that point, you are the titleholder. If you go this route, you can purchase the truck new or used. A new truck typically runs between $125,000 and $150,000 on average. A used truck can start at $45,000 and go up to $100,000, depending on how old it is. The monthly payments of purchasing a truck will vary based on how much you can afford for a down payment and the interest and terms of the loan. When you lease a truck, you still make monthly payments, but those payments go toward the use of the truck, not ownership. Leases are typically set on a schedule of one to three years. If at any time you want to stop paying for the lease, an early termination fee will be applied. If you choose to lease a truck, you can usually expect to pay around $1,600 to $2,500 per month. Trailer In addition to getting your own truck, you will also need to decide if you need to purchase your own trailer. As a leased owner-operator, you may have a carrier that provides a trailer for you. However, owning your own unique type of trailer while being leased on to a carrier may allow you to be more desirable to the carrier and to shippers. If you are under your own authority, getting your own trailer can lead to increased revenue and more control over the equipment you are using, but it will also come with increased costs. New trailers today cost anywhere from $25,000 to $50,000. Insurance The insurance you’re required to purchase for your trucking company will depend on if you are leasing onto a motor carrier or operating under your own authority. If you are leased onto a motor carrier, the carrier will likely provide primary liability insurance coverage. This insurance will cover injuries or damage to other people or property if you are found responsible. You will still need to purchase non-trucking liability insurance, physical damage coverage insurance, and occ/acc insurance. As a lease owner-operator, your insurance will likely cost somewhere between $3,000-$5,000 per year. If you are operating under your own authority, the cost of insurance goes up to around $8,000-$12,500 per year. This is because you have no motor carrier covering any of the cost for you. You will need liability insurance, physical damage insurance, motor truck cargo insurance, and work comp insurance. These are just the basic insurances you will need as you operate on your own authority. The price of insurance will vary depending on the type of coverage you are looking for. Business Entity Setting up your trucking company as a Limited Liability Company (LLC) will allow you to separate your personal assets from your business liabilities. An LLC can lead to several legal, tax, and business advantages, but it may or may not be necessary depending on a variety of different factors. It’s recommended you consult with a business service provider, like ATBS, before setting up an LLC. The state-filing fees for an LLC vary from $50-$300 depending on the state that you are filing in. The average state-filing fee is $127. ATBS can help you set up your LLC for $299 plus the specific-state filing fee. Click here for more information about setting up a business entity. Additional Costs BOC - 3 Form The BOC - 3 Form will be necessary if you plan on doing interstate business. This form establishes that you are legally able to operate in each state that you drive. The cost of filing your BOC - 3 form will range between $20-$40. IRP Credential and IFTA Decal The International Registration Plan Credential and International Fuel Tax Agreement Decal are two more costs you will incur in order to operate across state lines. The IRP credential cost is based on the percentage of miles you operate in each state, and the average cost is about $1,700 per year. The IFTA decal cost is a lot cheaper at about $10 per year. HVUT (FHUT) The heavy highway vehicle use tax is a fee assessed annually on heavy vehicles operating on public highways at weights equal to or exceeding 55,000 pounds. The cost is determined by adding the unloaded weight of the vehicle, and any trailers, with the maximum load customarily carried. The maximum HVUT is $550 per year. Load Board A load board is an online matching system between truck drivers and shippers that allows freight to be claimed and shipped. Working under your own authority will mean you will need your own load board. An owner-operator who is leased onto a carrier will still have freight assigned to them. There are many options when it comes to using a load board. Some are even free. If you want to pay for a load board it is going to cost between $35-$150 per month. ATBS recommends using Truckstop or DAT for your load board. Ready to get started? There are many costs associated with starting your own trucking company. However, if you believe in yourself, and want the opportunity to make more money and have more freedom, then it’s worth the investment. This article covers the main expenses that you will face during the process of starting your trucking company, but keep in mind that these costs will vary and you may have to pay more or less depending on your unique situation. Hopefully, this article will help you prepare for what you will have to pay for before starting your trucking company. Quick List of Costs CDL: $3,000 - $8,000 USDOT and MC Number: $300 Truck Lease: $1,600 - $2,500 per month Purchase: $45,000 - $150,000 Trailer: $25,000 - $50,000 Insurance: $3,000 - $5,000 per year Business Entity: $127 - $426 BOC-3 Form: $20 - $40 IRP Credential: $1,700 per year IFTA Decal: $10 per year HVUT: Maximum of $550 per year Load Board: $35 - $150 per month